Château de Saché

Château de Saché is a stone castle featuring a cylindrical tower, dry moats, and multiple wings constructed across different periods. The structure displays architectural elements from the 15th century onward, with successive additions visible throughout.

The castle belonged to Jean de Margonne, a close friend and associate of writer Honoré de Balzac, who visited the estate multiple times from 1825 to 1848. These stays became significant in Balzac's literary career and personal life.

The castle served as a refuge for writer Honoré de Balzac, where he could work undisturbed and find peace away from Paris. Visitors today encounter rooms arranged to reflect his time here, including his study set up as he knew it.

The castle is located roughly a half-hour drive from Tours and near the town of Azay-le-Rideau, which has a train station. A visit here works well as a stop between other sites in the Loire Valley region.

Balzac wrote several volumes of his major novel cycle while staying here, working with remarkable intensity at a punishing schedule. His bedroom on the second floor doubled as his writing space, where he labored through the night into early morning hours.